WDW & Current Mosquito Situation

[amandalynne621]

My husband and I have had a WDW trip planned for about a year now, with plans on staying at Disney's AKL and 4 days at the parks Oct 12-15th. We are also currently trying to get pregnant, which obviously complicates things for obvious reasons with the Zika threat.

I've had many tell me to just be smart, wear plenty of bug repellent at all times, and that I'll be fine… but I'm obviously nervous about that. I had read the thread of people cancelling their trip, etc. But is there anyone still going to Orlando in a similar situation? Anyone been to WDW recently and can give insight of if they even dealt with a mosquito problem while there?

We are considering moving our trip, but my husband thinks that is rather silly since we've been trying to conceive for a year and it hasn't happened yet, so pushing it back may be pushing it back another year or two with our luck.. so he doesn't feel it's necessary.

Any input on what people have experienced, or advice, would be greatly appreciated!

 

[midaroco]

I was just there for 10 days over July 4th and never saw one skeeter. I can also say I've never seen one over the 10 trips I've made over the last 5 years. That's not to say they aren't there, I've just never encountered them. I think if you apply bug repellent, you ought to be fine - though I do understand your concern. Good luck, I hope all goes well and you have a fantastic time.

 

[soniam]

I think it's sort of a damned if you do/damned if don't situation. You need to use DEET bug spray to keep them away. DEET is fairly nasty, and I know I wasn't willing to use it when I was pregnant. However, there was only a West Nile issue, no Zika, which is more harmful. Since it's October, maybe you can wear very thin long sleeve shirts, like for sun protection, and maybe pants. Basically, try to limit skin exposure and use the bug spray, but sparingly and possibly on your clothing instead of skin. You might also try some natural oils that repel them, but don't rely upon the natural oils solely. We haven't seen any mosquitos on our trips during March, June, and July months. I don't know how October is. Possibly stay away from the lagoons and beaches, especially at the hotels. Good luck.

 

[JaxsonsMom]

I guess I am in a similar situation. I will be 25 weeks when we go next month in mid-September. I was at the doctor yesterday where we discussed out trip and she said they are only currently telling people to restrict travel to Miami/ Dade County. I know this is possible and may change in the coming weeks but we are keeping an eye out. I found mosquito repellant bracelets at Babies'R'Us and plan to using repellant on my clothing. Its hard to push off a vacation that is needed. I think the best advice is just to keep current on the situation. As my doctor stated - there isn't a whole lot of information about Zika and therefore its kind of hard to predict was is going to happen.

 

[smiths02]

Is your trip insured? I wonder what the implications are of waiting longer to cancel. I mean if things remain status quo, you are probably alright with DEET and such. If a rapid spread starts, then maybe think about it. Or IF you are pregnant by October, you might reassess.

 

[amandalynne621]

Thank you everyone for the replies! Unfortunately our trip is not insured, this is definitely something we will be doing from here on out. I talked with my physician, and he made the statement that really you're at risk anywhere that contains mosquitos, and Disney property is probably the best place to be in FL if you were to visit the state based on their heavy bug control that they have in place. I'm hoping those that have recently visited Disney haven't experienced any mosquitos. We were there last May and I don't recall any.

I'm currently planning on using permethrin spray on my clothing, DEET spray on my husband and I every 3hrs, and I'm also buying bracelets. I don't care if it sounds overkill, I'd rather be over protected!

 

[CaleCakes]

I am thinking about this topic as well since we are going in November, and although not currently pregnant we are planning for baby #2. As "haunted mansion" mentioned the convo with the doctor that a lot isn't known about Zika, I worry about the long term effects. Is the disease like lyme where it basically lives within your body forever? So much is unknown. At this point I plan to go ahead with the trip and use the best caution to avoid mosquitoes with long sleeves and avoiding "prime times" like dusk. Zika mosquitoes are like the terrorist of the bug word it seems. Do we stop our everyday life and live in fear?

 

[Meriweather]

Good luck....I think Disney is pretty safe. I have never seen a mosquito or been bitten there.
But, go by what your OB/GYN and the CDC guidelines advise.

DD and I went to the Caribbean in June. She wore long sleeves, long pants, used DEET repellent and bracelets on hands and feet and still got bitten.....under her clothes. So nothing is for sure. Just reporting that.

 

[crash6565]

Thank you everyone for the replies! Unfortunately our trip is not insured, this is definitely something we will be doing from here on out. I talked with my physician, and he made the statement that really you're at risk anywhere that contains mosquitos, and Disney property is probably the best place to be in FL if you were to visit the state based on their heavy bug control that they have in place. I'm hoping those that have recently visited Disney haven't experienced any mosquitos. We were there last May and I don't recall any.

I'm currently planning on using permethrin spray on my clothing, DEET spray on my husband and I every 3hrs, and I'm also buying bracelets. I don't care if it sounds overkill, I'd rather be over protected!

Check out the patches too. They can go on your skin and under clothes. Can't advocate for a particular brand, but here's an example:

https://www.amazon.com/Bug-Patch-Prevent-Natural-Repellent/dp/B000RTJCL2

 

[Brock_R0X]

My wife and I have been planning a September trip with a couple of friends for months now and we are in a similar situation. After trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant for seven years, we just found out last week that we are expecting! Great timing, little one!

We hadn't really even considered Zika before that point, but this news has caused a lot of serious discussion. Our final payment is due on Tuesday so we've been contemplating what to do.

My wife met with her OB/GYN and he said that it would probably be fine to go to WDW since the current Zika threat is supposedly contained to that small area in Miami. The problem is that there doesn't seem to be a lot of solid information out there about Zika and its potential effects on pregnant women and their babies. Weeding through all of the hype and headlines has become a nightly chore. And on top of this, deciding how to handle the situation will also affect our friends that we have been planning to go with.

Well, last night we called Disney customer service to inquire about their cancellation policies and she stated that if we decide to cancel after final payment but BEFORE 2 days from our trip, the most we could lose is our initial $200 deposit. I'm blessed enough to be in a financial position where I'm willing to sacrifice that if new information comes out that forces us to cancel.

The other option we've been considering is postponing our trip to the first week in December, figuring that we would know more by that point and it will be cooler, hopefully decreasing the chances of mosquitoes slightly, but also making wearing pants a more feasible option since it won't be sweltering. We currently have free dining attached to our September trip but the CM said that we could transfer that promo if it falls in a time where it was previously offered.

Bottom line is, what was once a simple, fully-planned Disney vacation has now been turned into a time requiring very serious thought. Our baby's health will always be at the forefront and if it comes to it, I'm willing to lose out on some money in order to ensure the health and safety of our unborn child. Right now we're taking a wait-and-see approach and we're going to sit down and talk with our friends to fill them in on the situation. I love Disney, but as a new prospective parent I now have a higher responsibility. Staying informed is key, but ultimately it's all about what gives you peace of mind, even if that means postponing a week of fun for a bundle of joy.

God Bless.

 

[teddygurl28]

its a tough one. i leave in 29 days. i will be 25 weeks pregnant. my ob's office says travel is at your own risk and they cannot advise to go or not- however they are telling all patients that regardless of pregnancy or age or anything. at this point I'm going to go. i am stalking the cdc website and doing other general research. i go to Disney once a year and usually in September and my encounters with mosquitos has been minimal. i have actually never been bitten. i have deep woods bug spray, bracelets and wipes. myself, husband, daughter and stroller will all be bug sprayed out. i am going to alter my plans as needed down there. i don't have trip insurance so if i cancel i loose everything. With that, if the CDC expands there warning to Orlando, even if its the day before i am supposed to leave- i will cancel.

ultimately you have to do what is comfortable for you.